Packing for a move to Europe

Packing for a move to Europe requires more planning than packing for a local house move.

Your possessions may be travelling much further, passing through different handling and transport stages and remaining packed for longer. Customs requirements can also mean that you need a clearer record of what you are taking.

Good preparation helps protect your belongings, makes your inventory more useful and reduces the likelihood of avoidable delays.

Coast Removals provides European removals from the North East of England to destinations including Ireland, Spain, Cyprus, France, Portugal and Germany. Here is what to consider before your belongings begin their journey.

Start planning earlier than you would for a local move

Do not leave packing for a European move until the final few days.

Begin by working through one room at a time and separating your possessions into four groups:

• Items moving with the removal company
• Essentials travelling with you
• Items to sell or donate
• Items that require additional advice or documentation

Starting early also gives you time to obtain the correct packing materials, identify restricted items and create a proper inventory.

Declutter before you start packing

European removals are influenced by the amount of space your belongings occupy, as well as the distance and destination involved. Moving items you no longer need can therefore add unnecessary work and expense.

Before packing, consider whether larger or lower-value belongings are worth transporting. This may include old furniture that will not fit your new home, unused appliances, surplus clothing or items that have remained untouched in the loft for years.

Do not dispose of everything simply to reduce the load, but use the move as an opportunity to make deliberate decisions about what deserves space in your new home.

Use suitable removal boxes

Choose strong, good-quality removal boxes that can withstand stacking and extended transport. Previously used supermarket boxes may already be weakened and can collapse when placed under weight.

Use smaller boxes for books, tools and other heavy belongings. Larger boxes are better suited to lighter items such as bedding, cushions and clothing.

Avoid leaving large empty spaces inside boxes. Contents can move during transit, increasing the risk of damage. Fill gaps with packing paper or another suitable cushioning material without making the box excessively heavy.

Seal the top and bottom securely using proper packing tape.

Give fragile belongings additional protection

Glassware, crockery, ornaments, mirrors, pictures and other delicate belongings require careful individual wrapping.

Wrap each item separately and use packing paper to prevent pieces from touching. Plates are generally safer when packed on their edges rather than lying flat, with cushioning around them to prevent movement.

Clearly mark fragile boxes on the top and sides. Labelling does not replace proper packing, but it alerts the removal team that the contents require additional care.

Particularly valuable, unusual or sentimental items should be discussed with the removal company in advance. Coast also handles piano and fine-art moves, allowing specialist requirements to be identified before moving day.

Protect furniture for a longer journey

Furniture should be clean and dry before packing. Where appropriate, dismantle beds, tables and other large items to make them easier to protect and transport.

Place screws, bolts and other fittings in labelled bags. Keep each bag securely attached to the relevant piece of furniture or pack all fittings into a clearly identified box.

Protect corners, polished surfaces and vulnerable sections with suitable wrapping. Mattresses and upholstered furniture should also be covered to keep them clean during handling and transport.

Avoid applying unsuitable plastic directly to delicate wooden or antique furniture without professional advice, particularly if it may remain wrapped for an extended period.

Prepare appliances properly

Fridges and freezers should be emptied, defrosted and thoroughly dried before collection. Washing machines and dishwashers must be disconnected and drained.

Where applicable, use the original transit bolts to secure a washing machine drum. Secure loose cables and removable components so they cannot move or become lost.

Check that appliances are suitable for use at your destination. Electrical standards and plugs can differ, while some appliances may be difficult or uneconomical to adapt.

Create a detailed inventory

An accurate inventory is particularly important when moving belongings between countries.

Number each box and list its general contents. For example:

• Box 1: Kitchen – plates, bowls and used cookware
• Box 2: Main bedroom – clothing and bedding
• Box 3: Study – books and office equipment

Avoid relying entirely on vague labels such as “miscellaneous items”. A clear description will help you identify your belongings and may be required as part of the destination’s customs process.

The precise paperwork and level of detail needed can vary by country. Ask Coast what information is required for your destination before finalising the inventory.

Keep your own digital copy of the completed list.

Check restricted and prohibited items

Do not assume that everything allowed in an ordinary UK house move can be transported internationally.

Rules vary between countries, but items requiring particular attention can include:

• Food and agricultural products
• Plants, seeds and soil
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Medicines
• Paint, fuel and flammable materials
• Aerosols and compressed gases
• Chemicals and cleaning products
• Firearms and weapons
• Antiques or culturally significant objects

This is not a complete list. Requirements can differ between Ireland, EU member states and other European destinations, so obtain current advice for the particular country involved.

Do not pack a questionable item and hope it will be accepted. Raise it with your move coordinator before collection.

Pack an essentials case to keep with you

Your main shipment may not arrive at exactly the same time as you. Customs clearance, journey scheduling and the type of removal service can all affect delivery arrangements.

Prepare enough essentials to manage comfortably when you first arrive. Keep these with you rather than placing them on the removal vehicle:

• Passports, visas and travel documents
• Property and customs paperwork
• Medication and prescriptions
• Mobile phones, laptops and chargers
• Several changes of clothes
• Toiletries
• Basic items for children or pets
• Keys and contact details
• Irreplaceable valuables
• Anything required for your first days at work

It can also be useful to keep scanned copies of important documents in secure digital storage.

Consider professional export packing

Packing an entire household for a European move can take considerably longer than expected. It also requires the right materials and techniques to protect belongings over a longer journey.

Coast Removals offers full and part packing services, as well as professional export packing and wrapping. You can ask the team to pack the whole property or concentrate on fragile, valuable and difficult items.

A professional packing service can also make it easier to produce an organised inventory because the contents are packed, labelled and recorded systematically.

Speak to Coast before you begin

Every European move is different. Requirements can depend on your destination, the size of the move, the belongings involved and whether you require a dedicated or shared service.

Coast Removals is a family-run company based in North Tyneside, providing tailored UK and European removal services. Its door-to-door European service includes packing, secure shipping, help with the customs process and delivery through trusted European partners.

Before packing, tell the team where you are moving and identify any unusual, valuable or restricted belongings. This provides an opportunity to resolve questions before moving day.

Learn more about European removals with Coast Removals or contact the team to discuss your move and request a quotation.